LUBBOCK, Texas - Any concerns about whether the fifth-seeded College of Southern Idaho Women's Basketball team would be rusty after a two week layoff were dispelled early as the Golden Eagles jumped out to a quick lead Wednesday and never looked back, beating Blinn College 75-52 in the second round of the NJCAA National Tournament.
The Golden Eagles took a 24-14 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 20 points by the half.
A big key was CSI's field goal percentage. The Golden Eagles shot 41 percent from the field compared to 31 percent for Blinn. And even though CSI committed more turnovers, the Eagles won the battle of the boards 57-28.
The Region 18 Player of the Year Kandiss Barber showed why she is, finishing with 18 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Samantha Lubcke added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Matti Ventling got hot from beyond the arc, knocking down four 3-pointers en route to 14 points and four assists. Brianna Osorio continued to be solid all around, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, five steals and two steals.
The Golden Eagles will take on New Mexico Thursday at 5 p.m. MST in the quarterfinals. New Mexico beat NE Oklahoma A&M 61-59 to advance against CSI. Watch the game live at: http://www.njcaatv.com/landing/index
The games also will be broadcast on the radio at 97.5 FM and 1400 AM.